Musing – How Many Names Does Satan Have?

 Hebraic Musing – How Many Names Does Satan Have?

To understand the ongoing “Battle of the Ages”, God vs. Satan, we need to understand our adversary!?!?  How many names does Satan have?  How many ways does our Bible warn us of Satan’s ways?  Be aware!

Satan is the Tempter who tried to tempt Jesus at the end of His 40 days fast. “Now when the tempter came to Him, he said, ‘If You are the Son of God, command that these stones become bread.’” Matt.4:3 NKJV

Jesus knew we had an Enemy, so He empowered us. “Behold, I give you the authority to trample on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means hurt you.” Luke 10:19

Satan is our Adversary!  “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.” 1^st Peter 5:8

Gospel writers remembered that Jesus referred to Satan as the “Evil One” in the Lord’s Prayer!  “And do not lead us into temptation, But deliver us from the evil one....” Matt.6:13      

Beware of the “Deceiver.”  “So the great dragon was cast out, that serpent of old, called the Devil and Satan, who deceives the whole world; he was cast to the earth, and his angels were cast out with him.” Rev.12:9

Jesus admonished those who opposed Him by calling them believers in the Father of Lies and a Murderer! “You are of your father the devil, and the desires of your father you want to do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own resources, for he is a liar and the father of it.” John 8:44

Satan is chief “Sinner.”  “He who sins is of the devil, for the devil has sinned from the beginning.” 1 John 3:8

Satan is called the “Dragon” 13 times in book of Revelation.  A dragon can symbolize power, change, spirituality, self-love and empowerment.  And the last we hear of Satan in the Bible is in Rev.20:1-3 “Then I saw an angel coming down from heaven, having the key to the bottomless pit and a great chain in his hand. He laid hold of the dragon, that serpent of old, who is the Devil and Satan, and bound him for a thousand years;  and he cast him into the bottomless pit, ...”

Jesus referred to Beelzebub as “the ruler of the demons” in Matthew 12 & Luke 11.  And his name means “Lord of the flies”; and flies love dirty stuff; and they sure know how to harass us!

Satan’s Demon(s) are mentioned 60 times in the Bible; and demon possession is real, Jesus saw it in Peter and said “Get behind Me, Satan! You are an offense to Me, for you are not mindful of the things of God, but the things of men.” Matt.16:23   Demons can enter and possess any unbeliever, BUT they cannot enter into the body of those who belong to the Lord.  Why not?  A - “He has delivered us from the power of darkness and conveyed us into the kingdom of the Son of His love,” Colossians 1:13 

While Spiritual Warfare is real and those of us who are saved will be attacked, bothered, influenced and even controlled; BUT we cannot be possessed.  BTW, there is no example in Scripture of a believer in Jesus Christ being demon-possessed!  “He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.” 1 John 4:4

SUMMARY - Let us be aware of Satan’s devices.  He attacks us from so many directions and ways; therefore we need to always be aware so we can see him coming.  “lest Satan should take advantage of us; for we are not ignorant of his devices.” 2 Corrinthians.2:11 

Point to Ponder

How can we avoid being deceived by the “Deceiver”?

Why should I be worried if Satan doesn’t seem to be bothering me?

“Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.” 1 Peter 5:8

Yosef   a.k.a.  Joe Brusherd                             April 25, 2023
Author: “Hebraic Insights – Messages exploring the Hebrew roots of our faith”
“Biblical Marriage (by Yosef)”     Weekly “Hebraic Musings”    insightsbyyosef.blogspot.com

Note – Inspired by “Synonyms for Satan” message by Pastor Tom Hatley, 4/16/23  All Scripture is from NKJV

Musing – Do We Have To Do Everything We Are Told To Do?

 

Hebraic Musing – Do We Have To Do Everything We Are Told To Do?

We’ve all dealt with this question as children, AND we still face this in so many ways even now as adults.  How we respond depends on which authorities we respect, and why we respect them.  Simply put, we respect an authority based upon the reward/punishment we will receive if we do or don’t obey.  For Example:
 - Children obey their parents because there are rewards/punishments – Candy or missed meals, etc.
 - School kids obey teachers who have the power to give a good or bad grades, or trip to the principal’s office.
 - Employees obey the boss who has the power to adjust our wages (reward) or to fire us.
 - Drivers obey the traffic laws because police wave to you or can ticket you or worse. (Is “only 10 over” okay?)
 - Privates obey the sergeant to avoid having to do push-ups, or brig time.
 - Taxpayers obey the government's rules to avoid penalties.

Then we get “saved” and we have a new boss, the Lord.  And what does He tell us to do?  In Romans 13:1-3 He tells us to submit to the Government.  “Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God.  Therefore whoever resists the authority resists the ordinance of God, and those who resist will bring judgment on themselves.  For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to evil. Do you want to be unafraid of the authority?  Do what is good, and you will have praise from the same.” NKJV      We learned to listen to elders & authority at an early age – do what Daddy or Mommy says and you won’t get a whooping. 

If we bend the rule by cheating or lying, we have violated the world’s authority, but is our Lord okay with it?  Obviously not!  That’s sin.  The Bible clearly reminds us to obey the authorities that God has set over us.

BUT when you get saved, you made Jesus and His Word your Lord.  There may be times when the world’s authorities and instructions conflict with what His Word tells us to be doing?  Then what?!?!   What are we good Bible-abiding Christians to do when a World-View conflicts with the Biblical-View?  For example:
 - Abortion has been legal by our State or country, but does the convenient solution conflict with God’s view?
 - Increasing the deduction on the tax return will increase the refund.
 - Certain mind-altering Drugs are deemed legal by some States.
 - Gender confusion promotion and gender altering options are available.
 - Racial discrimination, Parental rights challenges, Pandemic rules, Biased Media reporting, etc.
Pursuit of Peace, Prosperity & Greed can take precedence in decisions; but might Almighty God be offended?

The Real Challenge – What to do when the World’s Authority is in conflict with Our Lord’s Word?  What to do if the Biblical-View conflicts with the World-View?  The Biblical principal is to render obedience to the law(s) of the land wherever we can unless our doing so conflicts with our obedience to God.*   A memorable example – Early Christians were willing to face the lions rather that declare Caesar as their Lord!

Is this the first time the world has faced corrupt and ungodly governing authorities?  Consider Pharoah, Assyrians, Caesars, Hitler and many others throughout history to greater or lesser degrees. 

Points to Ponder

Might we sometimes have to separate the Church and the State?  March 29^th headline for Example:
“Nancy Pelosi instructs Americans to vote on how politics will impact 'your life,' not 'your religion'.”

How are we to know the “Biblical View”?  (Dumb question!)

Which authority is supreme in your life, the World’s or the Lord’s?
Who provides the longest-lasting reward or punishment?  Who has the larger staff and rod?

The LORD told Joshua five times to “be strong and of good courage”.  Does He tell that to us also?

Might the confronting of sin in our World be a way of witnessing?

“Only be strong and of good courage.”

Yosef   a.k.a.  Joe Brusherd                          April 18, 2023
Author: “Hebraic Insights – Messages exploring the Hebrew roots of our faith”
“Biblical Marriage (by Yosef)”     Weekly “Hebraic Musings”    insightsbyyosef.blogspot.com

*  Quotes & inspiration from - R.C. Sproul’s “LIFEVIEWS – Make a Christian impact on culture and society”; 1984

Musing – Are the Seven Churches in Revelation like Today’s Churches?

 

Hebraic Musing – Are the Seven Churches in Revelation like Today’s Churches?

In my 47 years experiencing many different denominations around the world I have recognized characteristics very similar to those in the seven Churches in the book of Revelation.  Have you observed these characteristics recently?  How do Christians and Churches today compare to each of those Revelation 2 & 3 Churches?

Church of Ephesus – To the Loveless Church  --   I know your – “works, your labor, your patience, and that you cannot bear those who are evil.”    Things against - “that you have left your first love.”       Hope - “Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent and do the first works, ... ... you hate the deeds of the Nicolaitans” (who lead lives of unrestrained indulgence), “which I also hate.” 

Church in Smyrna - To the Persecuted Church  --  I know your – “works, tribulation, and poverty (but you are rich); ... I know the blasphemy of those who say they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan.”  Things against -   (Nothing!)      Hope - “Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life.”  

Church in Pergamos - To the Compromising Church  --  I know you – “hold fast to My name, and did not deny My faith even in the days in which Antipas was My faithful martyr, who was killed among you, where Satan dwells.”      Things against - “because you have there those who hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balak to put a stumbling block before the children of Israel, ... to commit sexual immorality.  Thus you also have those who hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitans” (who lead lives of unrestrained indulgence), “which thing I hate.”      Hope - “To him who overcomes I will give some of the hidden manna to eat.”

Church in Thyatira - To the Corrupt Church   --  I know your – “your works, love, service, faith,  and your patience; and as for your works, the last are more than the first.”       Things against -  “because you allow that woman Jezebel” (one of the most evil characters of the Old Testament), “who calls herself a prophetess, to teach and seduce My servants to commit sexual immorality and eat things sacrificed to idols....”     Hope – “to the rest in Thyatira, as many as do not have this doctrine, who have not known the depths of Satan, as they say, I will put on you no other burden.  But hold fast what you have till I come.”

Church in Sardis – To the Dead Church  --  I know your – “works, that you have a name that you are alive, but you are dead.  Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die, for I have not found your works perfect before God.”   Things against - “Remember therefore how you have received and heard; hold fast and repent.  Therefore if you will not watch, I will come upon you as a thief, and you will not know what hour I will come upon you.”    Hope - “You have a few ... who have not defiled their garments; and they shall walk with Me in white, for they are worthy.  He who overcomes shall be clothed in white garments, and I will not blot out his name from the Book of Life;”   

Church in Philadelphia – To the Faithful Church  --  I know your – “works.  See, I have set before you an open door, and no one can shut it; for you have a little strength, have kept My word, and have not denied My name.  Indeed I will make those of the synagogue of Satan, who say they are Jews and are not, but lie—indeed I will make them come and worship before your feet, and to know that I have loved you.”    Things against -   (Nothing!)       Hope - “Because you have kept My command to persevere, I also will keep you from the hour of trial which shall come upon the whole world, to test those who dwell on the earth.”

Church of the Laodiceans – To the Lukewarm Church  --  I know your – “works, that you are neither cold nor hot.”      Things against -  “I could wish you were cold or hot.  So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot,  I will vomit you out of My mouth.  Because you say, ‘I am rich, have become wealthy, and have need of nothing’—and do not know that you are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked...”    Hope - “As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten.  Therefore be zealous and repent.”

Points to Ponder

Which of these churches in Revelation describes your church?   Which ones describe you?

What do you feel challenged to do?

What do YOU want to be known as?

Yosef   a.k.a.  Joe Brusherd                             April 11, 2023
Author: “Hebraic Insights – Messages exploring the Hebrew roots of our faith”
“Biblical Marriage (by Yosef)”     Weekly “Hebraic Musings”    insightsbyyosef.blogspot.com

Note – All words in italicized red are the Words of Jesus, from the NKJV

Musing – When was Jesus Crucified?

 Hebraic Musing – When was Jesus Crucified?

Ever wondered how Jesus was crucified on Friday, resurrected on Sunday and yet the Bible says He was in the ground for 3 days?   “For as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of the great fish, so will the Son of Man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth.” Matt.12:40 NKJV   Where did we get today’s timeline for Holy Week with a Friday crucifixion.  Which Gospel writer’s timeline should we be using?
 - Matthew was a professional tax collector – detail oriented.
 - Luke was a highly educated physician.
 - John was an insider with full knowledge of Scripture and the most time to document his testimony.
 - Mark was a impressionable boy who followed and learned from “foot in his mouth” Peter.  And yet today’s timeline using Friday as the day of crucifixion comes from Mark’s gospel!!!

If we use Wednesday as the day of crucifixion, does that make more sense?  In AD 31 when Jesus was crucified, Passover started Wednesday evening, continuing through daytime Thursday.  Remember that Jewish days (God’s days) start at sunset (3 stars in the sky) and end at sunset the next day; not Midnight to midnight as we are accustomed.

The Feast of Passover, a Sabbath, started on Wednesday evening, so we can understand why Joseph of Arimathea was anxious to bury Jesus before the Sabbath Passover which began at sunset Wednesday.  With that timetable, how many days would Jesus have been in the grave?
 - Day 1 – Wednesday night through Thursday day.
 - Day 2 – Thursday  night through Friday day
 - Day 3 – Friday night through Saturday day. 
So Jesus arose Saturday evening or night, for “three days and three nights in the heart of the earth.”

So if Jesus was crucified Wednesday and gave up His spirit at 3 P. M., that also happens to be when the Passover sacrificial lambs at the Temple were taking their last breaths as well.

Matthew 16:2 tells us that the women came to the tomb very early in the morning, before it was daylight, and found the tomb empty.  Jesus had already risen during the night, hours before they arrived “before sunrise.” 

BTW - The Jewish (Saturday night) meeting on the first day of the week is called Havdalah and that’s when the Jews come together the day after Sabbath to exchange money and offerings which is work forbidden on the Sabbath.  See Acts 20:7 “Now on the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread,” and 1 Corinth.16:2 “On the first day of the week let each one of you lay something aside, storing up as he may prosper, that there be no collections when I come.”

And there are many more details and clues in Scripture.  To be fair, Tuesday and Thursday have been put forth days of crucifixion, but Wednesday seems most logical?  Interesting to ponder!

BTW – The Pharisees believed in Jesus’ resurrection, but the Sadducees did not.  Matt.22:23 “the Sadducees, who say there is no resurrection...”  That is why the Sadducees are “sad you see.” (>:

Points to Ponder

Jesus was born, lived, died, arose, ascended and will come again.  What else matters?

Is the exact timing of Jesus’ death and resurrection a salvific issue?

♫  Up from the grave He arose, With a mighty triumph o’er His foes, He arose a Victor from the dark domain,
       And He lives forever, With His saints to reign.  He arose! He arose!  Hallelujah! Christ arose!  ♫

Yosef   a.k.a.  Joe Brusherd                                      April 4, 2023
Author: “Hebraic Insights – Messages exploring the Hebrew roots of our faith”
“Biblical Marriage (by Yosef)”     Weekly “Hebraic Musings”    insightsbyyosef.blogspot.com

Note – Originally published in May 15, 2009 as H.I.#19 -- “Three days in the grave”; added perspectives
            from Corey Corrick’s Sunday School message last week; and other notes are available on request.

Musing – What are the Ten Commandments Really About?

 Hebraic Musing – What are the Ten Commandments Really About?

Back when I was in school, the Ten Commandments were displayed on the schoolroom wall; we memorized them to the point we told jokes based on the commandment numbers.  Now they are not even in most Christian Bookstores!  What’s this generation missing?  Let’s look at each Commandment from our Loving Father God:

1.   “I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage.” (Exod.20:2)    The word “LORD” is from Yehovah, a relationship name – “I am” in past, present and future tenses.  And He loves His covenant people so much, that He brought Israel out of bondage.  Who else does He want to bring out of slavery?

2.   “You shall have no other gods before Me.  You shall not make for yourself...” (20:3-4)  A little later He says “I am a jealous God...”  Does He think we might make gods ourselves?  Sports figures, statues, media, possessions, entertainment personalities, etc.  Ouch!

3.   “You shall not take the name of the LORD your God in vain,” (20:7)  This is not just about bad language.   We should not to use the LORD’s name in a negative context.  The Lord will “not hold him guiltless”!

4.   “Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy.” (20:8-11)  The seventh day is Saturday, but Sunday worship began when Constantine in 321 AD declared all worship to be held on the “venerable day of the sun”.  He was a sun worshipper.  Some confusion regarding Sabbath is due to the Biblical day starting at sunset. In Acts 20 the believers gathered on the first day of the week; that would be Saturday evening after sunset. They were celebrating Havdalah, the end of sabbath, a time when they could prepare food and handle money.  Their first day, our Sunday, began their work week.  A solution for today – Psalm 34:1 and many other references say “I will bless the LORD at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth.”

5.   “Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long upon the land which the LORD your God is giving you.” (20:12)   (I advise children to respect their parents so they won’t get whooped!) How long do we want to have the life God has for us?  How long will we be in Heaven?  Also, does this also mean to respect/honor your elders and authorities?  Note – this is a hinge between four commandments about how to honor/worship God and the last five commandments dealing with how to live in this world; Jesus referred to it as “And the second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’” Matt.22:39 

6.   “You shall not murder.” (20:13)  We can defend ourselves, and our country, but we are not to get so angry with someone that we wish them dead, or hurting.  We are to forgive, no matter what they do to us.

7.   “You shall not commit adultery.” (20:14)  Committing adultery is breaking the permanent covenant of marriage; both your own marriage and/or that of another couple.  Be faithful in marriage and respect the marriages and virginities of others.

8.   “You shall not steal.” (20:15)  If we love our neighbor, we’ll respect his/her possessions including  reputation, life, mate, etc.  And don’t steal your own blessings by failure to obey and thus miss your own blessings.

9.   “You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.” (20:16)  This refers to an intentional lie, being intentionally deceitful and committing fraud.  But where does “gossip” apply here, or is that a verse 15 topic?

10.  “You shall not covet your neighbor's house; you shall not covet your neighbor's wife, nor his male servant, nor his female servant, nor his ox, nor his donkey, nor anything that is your neighbor's.” (20:17)  This may be both the hardest and the most important commandment because it leads to the violation of the others; coveting is where the sin problems begin.

Points to Ponder

Has Our Loving God provided us with the warnings we need to make responsible choices?
Do these sound like advice a loving parent would try to instill in their child?

Do you have the Ten Commandments displayed in your home?

Do we “Want To” or do we “Have To” obey the Ten Commandments?

“The LORD is my shepherd...”

Yosef   a.k.a.  Joe Brusherd                          March 28, 2023
Author: “Hebraic Insights – Messages exploring the Hebrew roots of our faith”
“Biblical Marriage (by Yosef)”     Weekly “Hebraic Musings”    insightsbyyosef.blogspot.com

Note – Inspired by Johanna Hocker’s email March 13, 2023; All references are from the NKJV

Musing – What does it take to be an Evangelist?

 Hebraic Musing – What does it take to be an Evangelist?

Some Christians think being an Evangelist requires expensive airfare and travel costs, or specialized training, or a Bible College course study.  Let’s explore this topic and ask ourselves a few questions.

Are we called to be Evangelists?   What does the Bible tell us to be doing?   

·      Jesus gave us His final command - “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature.” Mark 16:15 NKJV   Sound to me like Jesus expected us to preach the gospel, the Good News, wherever we go. 

·      I wonder what Jesus meant in Matthew 22:9 when He told the servants – “Therefore go into the highways, and as many as you find, invite to the wedding.”  

·      Interesting, the Bible says “go” over 1,300 times!  Apparently the Bible is an action driven message!

·      “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations...” Matthew 28:19-20

·      Why were we promised the Holy Spirit in Acts 1:8?  “But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem... and to the end of the earth.” 

·      In Acts 8:4 the believers were scattered; so what did they do?  “Therefore those who were scattered went everywhere preaching the word.”

·      And James 1:22 tells us ‘Don’t just listen to the word, do it!’

Why are these Evangelistic songs among our favorites?  

·      Remember singing this at the top of your lungs?  ♫ Go, tell it on the mountain, Over the hills and everywhere, Go, tell it on the mountain, That Jesus Christ is born.  ♫  
That song tells us to go tell it, and as we sing it, we are reminding ourselves to tell it everywhere! 

·      ♫ I love to tell the story    Of unseen things above, Of Jesus and His glory,   Of Jesus and His love. I love to tell the story,   Because I know ’tis true; It satisfies my longings  As nothing else can do. ♫

·      ♫  Turn your eyes upon Jesus,  Look full in his wonderful face,  And the things of earth will grow strangely dim  In the light of his glory and grace.  ♫

Does your church need an Evangelist to come in order to have an “Altar Call”?  

·      If that’s the only Evangelism effort, then who is reaching all those who do not attend church?

·      On the other hand, there is nothing like reaching new Brothers & Sisters to inspire an Evangelistic Spirit.

·      Each of us Born Again Believers has a Salvation Testimony – a powerful tool to witness and win someone to the Lord.  My experience?  People argue with my teachings!  And they also argue with my preaching!  But, no one can argue with my testimony.  It’s the truth, and it’s real!

·      Did Peter call all of us believers to share our faith?  “...always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you,...” 1 Peter 3:15 NKJV

Evangelistic openers: 

·      “Let me tell you what happened to me!”  And then share your 2 to 3 minute salvation testimony.

·      To servers in restaurants – “We are going to pray for our meal, would you join us?” (With hands extended).

·      When someone says “God bless you” after you sneeze; reply with “Oh you know God too?!?!”

·      No one feels threatened if you ask “Where are you in your spiritual walk?”  Everyone has one.

·      “Let me tell you about my best friend!”    and  “How we met...”

·      (How may ‘openers’ have you used?)

Points to Ponder

How was the Gospel able to go to all the known world in one generation by word-of-mouth?

Are you ready to deliver a 2-3 minute version of your salvation testimony?

What a thrill it is to introduce someone to your “Best Friend”!

What’s the best gift you can give somebody?

♫ Go, tell it on the mountain, Over the hills and everywhere. .... That Jesus Christ is born!

Yosef   a.k.a.  Joe Brusherd                                      March 21, 2023
Author: “Hebraic Insights – Messages exploring the Hebrew roots of our faith”
“Biblical Marriage (by Yosef)”     Weekly “Hebraic Musings”    insightsbyyosef.blogspot.com

Musing – How Powerful is Your Testimony?

 Hebraic Musing – How Powerful is Your Testimony?

We all battle with Satan’s daily attempts to lead us astray, so what’s a person to do?  The Bible’s answer - “And they overcame him (Satan) by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony.” Rev.12:11 NKJV  God’s Word reminds us of the power of our testimony!  Maybe that’s why “testimony” appears 92 times in the Bible!  And I believe it after all the opportunities I’ve had in my life to lead people to accept Jesus as their Lord by sharing my testimony.  Is mine unique? Yes!  And so is yours!  Exactly how and when did Christ call you? 

Here’s my short three part testimony with “What happened” as the filling in the middle of the cookie.

Life Before – I grew up as the oldest of eight children, and we had five children (& one on the way) when I realized I had a limited understanding of God.  I had never really tried to figure out God’s purpose for my life despite these three questions being stuck in my head ever since my first-grade catechism class:
1.  Q. – Who made me?                      A. – God made me.
2.  Q. – Who is God?                          A. – God is the Supreme Being who created all things.
3.  Q. – Why did God make me?        A. – God made me to worship and praise Him forever.
At 39 years of age I found myself plagued by selfish ways, anger, unclean thoughts, etc.  So I decided to attend a Catholic Cursillo week-end retreat where I heard a priest with presentation skills I really respected and coveted.  Next, we went into a prayer room and I saw that priest on his knees, praying and thanking Jesus for the words Jesus gave him for the men out there (for me).

What Happened – When I saw that priest I really admired praying to Jesus, I fell to my knees, cried a pool of tears on the terrazzo floor and said to myself, almost out load, “Jesus Christ, you are real.  I need to learn more about you.”  I knew at that moment I would never be the same!

Life After – When I came home from the week-end my wife asked “What happened”; I said “I talked to Jesus”; so she asked “Does that mean you are Born Again”; and I answered “I don’t know what you call it, but I talked to Jesus... ... and I want you and all the kids to experience what I experienced!”  Then she informed me “Joe, we already have; we’ve all been praying for you!”  She could have added “...for 10 years”!

There is a pivotal moment in the middle of a testimony that is awesome and memorable.  In fact, if a person claims to be a Christian but cannot describe that life-changing “Moment”, I pray with them to experience that “Moment” when the Holy Spirit infills us!  Sometimes we just need to ASK Jesus.  “If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him!” Luke 11:13

Can sharing your testimony be an effective tool in fulfilling Jesus’s final command to us?  “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,...” Matt.28:19

I’ve often confessed that people argue with my teachings!  And yes, they also argue with my preaching!  But, no one can argue with my testimony.  It is the truth!  It is real!  Apparently, the Apostle John felt the same way when he concluded his Gospel message with - “This is the disciple who testifies of these things, and wrote these things; and we know that his testimony is true.” John 21:24 NKJV

Points to Ponder

Do you remember your precious moment?  Can you tell others about it?

Can you deliver a three-minute version of your salvation testimony?

Who needs to hear your testimony?  ...besides yourself?!?!

If you need practice telling your testimony, write it out and email it to me.

Don’t underestimate the power of prayer.

“And he who has seen has testified, and his testimony is true; and he knows that he is telling the truth, so that you may believe.” John 19:35

Yosef   a.k.a.  Joe Brusherd                                      March 14, 2023
Author: “Hebraic Insights – Messages exploring the Hebrew roots of our faith”
“Biblical Marriage (by Yosef)”     Weekly “Hebraic Musings”    insightsbyyosef.blogspot.com